Nestled in the vibrant corridors of Nairobi’s Kenyatta Market stands The Real Vinyl Guru, a unique treasure trove founded in 1989. Its walls cradle thousands of 33s and 45s, each record a window into Africa’s musical past. This archive has earned lifelong vinyl devotee James “Jimmy” Rugami his iconic nickname  . What began as a DJ’s retreat evolved into Kenya’s most significant vinyl collection.

Jimmy’s journey, as captured by BBC News, speaks of a relentless passion for salvaging East African vinyl heritage. He travelled from Meru to Dar‑es‑Salaam and Zanzibar, hunting tapes and records before settling in Nairobi  . Labeled “insane” for his analog obsession, he held steadfast even as cassettes and CDs swept the globe. His shop is now a testament to tenacity and love for tangible sound.

Through the 1960s to the 1980s, Nairobi was a musical hotspot, with packed clubs and rich artist exchanges across borders  . Jimmy’s collection echoes that golden era, preserving rare East African jazz, rumba, and afrobeat. Visitors today uncover hidden gems—Motown discs mingle with lost Somali tapes—inviting a revived appreciation of regional heritage .

Despite hi‑fi streaming and digital convenience, The Real Vinyl Guru still welcomes collectors and curious youth. Millennials and tourists alike flock to Kenyatta’s cozy stall, drawn by vinyl’s warm crackle and Jimmy’s encyclopedic knowledge  . His steadfast devotion now supports a small team, turning a once-derided passion into a vibrant, community-rooted business  .

Beyond selling records, Jimmy also offers turntables, restoration services, and replacement parts—an analog haven in Kenya. His stall hums with stories spun from vinyl, and he continues to host in‑store listening sessions. With Nairobi’s music lovers rediscovering the joy of real sound, The Real Vinyl Guru stands not just as a shop, but a cultural institution.

This newsletter article for The Real Vinyl Guru explores James Rugami’s legacy, tracing his beginnings as a DJ turned collector, the historical context of Nairobi’s music scene, and the shop’s evolution into a vinyl sanctuary. Drawing on BBC’s engaging feature, the story highlights how passion and perseverance can preserve cultural heritage and inspire new generations.